We’ve all heard that a new car loses value the moment it’s driven off the lot—but some vehicles lose it faster than others. Depreciation isn’t just an annoying fact of life; it can significantly impact your long-term finances. If you plan to sell or trade your car within a few years, brand reputation and resale value matter more than you think. This list breaks down the worst car depreciation offenders by brand, helping you avoid the biggest money pits in the market. Here are seven brands that often leave drivers underwater in value.
These Brands Have The Worst Car Depreciation
1. Maserati: Luxury Looks, Terrible Resale
Maserati may be synonymous with Italian style and speed, but it’s also known for horrific resale value. Despite premium price tags, many models lose over 50% of their value within just three years. Limited reliability, high maintenance costs, and a shrinking customer base all contribute to its poor depreciation. Buyers often fall in love with the badge and regret the purchase when it’s time to trade in. When it comes to the worst car depreciation, Maserati is near the top of the list.
2. Jaguar: A Brand That Struggles to Hold Value
Jaguar has always had prestige appeal, but that hasn’t translated into strong resale value. These vehicles tend to depreciate quickly due to costly repairs, inconsistent reliability, and a smaller resale market. Luxury features quickly become outdated, and the brand’s attempts to modernize haven’t solved its value problem. Even newer models like the F-Pace and XE have failed to retain value like competitors from BMW or Lexus. Unfortunately for fans of British design, Jaguar earns its spot on the worst car depreciation list.
3. Land Rover: High Status, Low Value Retention
Land Rovers are admired for their off-road prowess and sleek design, but their resale values tell another story. Frequent mechanical issues and expensive repairs make them a risky long-term investment. Many models see sharp declines in value within the first few years, often falling behind even mid-range SUVs. Add to that a high cost of ownership, and many used-car buyers stay away. While they might turn heads in the neighborhood, Land Rovers are firmly placed among vehicles with the worst car depreciation.
4. Chrysler: A Domestic Brand That Drops Fast
Chrysler vehicles, particularly the 300 sedan and Pacifica minivan, suffer from some of the fastest value drops in the American market. Buyers cite concerns over outdated designs, mixed reliability scores, and low brand appeal. Even when equipped with decent features, Chryslers don’t command high resale prices. The brand’s limited lineup doesn’t help its case either—fewer models mean fewer loyalists on the used market. For anyone keeping an eye on the worst car depreciation, Chrysler is a cautionary tale.
5. Fiat: Charming but Financially Frustrating
Fiat re-entered the U.S. market with a lot of buzz, but that excitement didn’t translate into long-term value. While their small cars, like the 500, are fun to drive, they lack the reliability and demand to retain their value. Many models depreciate steeply due to low popularity, questionable build quality, and costly repairs. Fiat’s limited dealership presence also hurts trade-in and resale options. As a result, Fiat is one of the clearest examples of the worst car depreciation scenarios.
6. Buick: Comfort Over Value
Buick produces comfortable, quiet cars, but that hasn’t been enough to keep their values strong. Many Buicks lose upwards of 40% of their value in just a few years, largely due to their aging buyer base and lack of youth market appeal. Models like the Enclave and Encore struggle to stand out in a crowded SUV space. Though recent redesigns aim to modernize the brand, perception and resale numbers haven’t yet caught up. Buick’s presence on the worst car depreciation list is well-earned.
7. Lincoln: Luxury Name, Mainstream Resale
As Ford’s luxury brand, Lincoln tries to compete with the likes of Lexus and Audi, but its resale values lag far behind. Models like the Nautilus and Aviator are well-equipped, but they suffer from brand fatigue and low demand. Resale markets tend to favor foreign luxury brands, leaving Lincolns to depreciate faster than expected. Even certified pre-owned Lincolns often see sharp value drops. Despite their smooth ride and stylish interiors, Lincoln vehicles remain among the worst car depreciation performers.
Why Depreciation Should Drive Your Decision
Buying a car is more than just picking what looks good on the lot—it’s also about making a smart financial move. Choosing a brand with strong resale value can save you thousands down the line, whether you plan to sell, trade, or refinance. These seven brands remind us that reputation, reliability, and demand all play a role in how much value a car keeps—or loses. By staying informed about the worst car depreciation, you can protect your investment and avoid surprises at trade-in time.
Have you ever been shocked by how little your car was worth when you sold it? Share your worst depreciation story in the comments—we’re all ears!
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